By Amos Tauna
Kaduna, (Nigeria)– Sage Foundation in partnership with the Bricon Foundation, Nigeria-based non-profit organisations are to raise about N3.6 million to support cancer patients that cannot afford medical treatment.
The two foundations have helped to raise awareness about cancer and assisted cancer patients and their families, in the ‘Keeping Hope Alive Challenge’.
Every year, it is estimated that more than 80,000 Nigerians lose their battle with cancer, and more than 100,000 new cases are recorded.
The Keeping Hope Alive $10k Challenge has phases, that was, the ‘Walk the Talk cancer walk in Lagos, on Friday, 27 October, to raise funds and create awareness about breast cancer.
The Sage Foundation appealed to colleagues, business partners, customers and the wider community to support the cause by getting people to sponsor their walk, the proceeds of which would go towards the Keeping Hope Alive fundraising initiative.
“Of the two million Nigerians living with the disease, life-saving medical treatment is not an option, likely because of the high cost or because there are not enough support centres equipped to handle the disease” experts say.
“The Keeping Hope Alive Challenge forms part of the Sage Foundation’s global $1 million challenge which aims to raise about $1 million to support charities around the world,” says Magnus Nmonwu, Regional Director for Sage in West Africa.
“When detected early, cancer is treatable, and it’s not right that millions of people are affected because they cannot afford medical care. The Sage Foundation is committed to building opportunities in local communities and we believe that, together, we are stronger against cancer.
“Nigeria has the worst cancer death rate in Africa, at a shocking 80 per cent. Majority of deaths are due to late presentation or inaccessibility to medical care.
“At Bricon, we believe that, through awareness, early detection and providing appropriate and timely support to cancer patients and their families, we can bring that figure down and make a difference in millions of lives,” says Abigail Simon-Hart the co-founder of The Bricon Foundation.
The Bricon Foundation was established to provide practical support to cancer patients and their families. This includes funding for treatment, diagnostic tests and medication, subsidizing or providing free mastectomy products, and providing training to local nurses and doctors supported by International partners.
